As expected, David Ortiz is making the start at first base while Mike Napoli is on the bench with the designated hitter unavailable under National League rules. It hurts to sit Napoli, but the Red Sox can’t afford to be without Ortiz right now. The veteran slugger has five homers in 13 games this postseason, including one in each of the first two games of the World Series. The other notable changes include Daniel Nava in left field over Jonny Gomes and Xander Bogaerts being moved up to the No. 6 spot in the order. Stephen Drew remains in the lineup despite hitting just .095 (4-for-42) with a 15/1 K/BB ratio this postseason.

No designated hitter means that Allen Craig will be on the bench to begin Game 3. He has taken some ground balls at first base in recent days, but the Cardinals don’t want to rush him back into the field and cause a setback with his foot. Carlos Beltran is in the lineup after he went 2-for-4 with an RBI single Thursday in his return from a severe rib contusion. Meanwhile, Pete Kozma is back in the lineup after Daniel Descalso made the start at shortstop in Game 2.